Possible daytrips...

Whilst in Panama City, we should take advantage of places in and around the City. I'm sure you've all had a look at places of interest or will do, but here's some suggestions about where we could all go for daytrips;

1. Gamboa Rainforest Resort

This place is awesome!! As the title says, it's embedded within the rainforest on the banks of the Gatun Lake (the artifical lake created for the Canal), and has some incredible wildlife there, from 3-toed sloths to giant Crocs and turtles. There's a rooftop canopy tour which I've heard is lovely (ask Tom - he did it and raved about it), not to mention a quality bar overlooking the lake where you can feed the crocs! Anyway, take a look at the website for more detailed info - defo worth the trip though.

2. Canal Tour

Again, a 'must' trip after flying all this way! You can't not see the Canal whilst in Panama, it would just be rude. The half-day trip (lasting anything from 2-5 hours) takes you through 2 locks and into the Pacific. It's not cheap, about 50 Euros per person, but definitely something to remember. If you don't want to do the boat trip, you can always go to the Visitors Centre at the Miraflores Locks and watch the boats as they come in.

3. Taboga

This is a Pacific Island, known as La Isla de las Flores, and lies about 1 hour by boat from Panama City. I've heard it's got stunning beaches, good food and all-in-all, a nice way to spend the day. The return is approx 10 dollars and leaves early morning returning late afternoon. It's a very secluded island and there are chances of seeing dolphins and other marine wildlife on the way there and around the Island.

4. Casco Viejo

This is the old quarter of Panama, and you can really see the difference between rich and poor. Over the last few years this area has begun to benefit from restoration, and some of the buildings are delightful. There's the Canal Museum there and also some great little bars and restaurants, so we can go daytime or evening. Cracking Ceviche Frito there by the way!!

5. Apparently the Mall counts as a 'day trip', though I seriously doubt that. For all the lads going over, this is a cool place for about an hour, some great clothes shops at stupidly cheap prices, not to mention electrical goods like ipods, cameras, etc. The one other good thing about the Mall is the food hall there, there's a place called 'Leña & Carbon' - great steaks!! However, after you've done an hour or so there, you'll be requiring a cold beverage. So, as we let the ladies continue shopping, we'll go for cold beers on the terrace overlooking the City, or down to the Greenhouse - my little drinking hole where they give you the remote to the tele! Brilliant.